In addition to extending this deadline, the IRS and Treasury Department has issued new guidance for
married survivors so they do not need to file jointly with their abusive partner.

This means that survivors of domestic violence may file their taxes separately and still be eligible to
receive a tax credit to help pay for their premiums, or to apply for a hardship
exemption.

For those survivors who are still in an abusive relationship and are married, or have
separated but have not yet been able to divorce their partner, attempting to jointly file and claim this
exemption with their abuser could be a serious safety concern, said Vanessa Timmons, executive director of the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence.

The abusive partner might also still
hold control of records or information that could delay or prevent the survivor from filing.

“This is a fantastic win for survivors,” Timmons said. “It is often a complex and difficult challenge to separate from an
abusive relationship, especially if you are married and have children. It is greatly encouraging that the
federal government understands the seriousness of this issue, and has created these new rulings to
help survivors access the care they need to live safe and healthy lives, regardless of their marital
status.”

A U.S. Department of Justice study
found that 37% of all women who sought care in hospital emergency rooms for violence-related injuries
were injured by their partner.